CSUMB softball prepares for CCAA tourney

Stockton >> The CSU Monterey Bay softball team locked up a regular season conference title with a series sweep over CSU San Bernardino last weekend, but the Otters still have higher aspirations.

CSUMB starts its postseason Friday at the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship in Stockton. The winner of the tournament earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals, but the Otters (44-7) should be a lock to advance either way. CSUMB is ranked No. 1 in the West Region and is the No. 3 Division II team in the nation, according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association rankings. But CSUMB coach Andrea Kenney said the team isn't going to back off because aggressive play is the reason for their success.

"That is what got us where we are," Kenney said by email. "We don't want to get caught up in any emotional battles. Being the top seed, other teams will be coming after us. We will play hard, focused softball."

Kenney said she expects the Otters to be named a host on Monday when the NCAA qualifiers are announced.

"We want to use this tournament as a momentum builder, she said. "We need to stay hungry and play to win."

The Otters are 6-6 all time in the CCAA tournament, with their only championship coming in 2010. CSUMB faces Sonoma State (35-19) on Friday at 4:30 p.m., and the tournament continues through Sunday.